About The Film

Behind 12-year-old Mussa’s carefree laugh and toothy grin is a mystery.  A refugee from Sudan, he hasn’t spoken since he and his family moved to Tel Aviv five years ago. Every day Mussa is bused from his downtrodden Tel Aviv neighborhood to an elite private school where he silently navigates the world of his privileged, mostly white, classmates. Trying to fit in, he wordlessly endures his fellow students who parrot their parents’ harsh views of immigrants. Despite not speaking but capably understanding Hebrew, he communicates through hand gestures and facial expressions, forging a special bond with his teacher Anna, a fellow refugee, who loves and cares for him but has never heard his voice. When Mussa’s mother is suddenly told she has to leave the country, Mussa’s life is forever changed.  Anat Goren’s topical documentary is a compelling look at the immigrant experience through the eyes of a voiceless child. 

Director Bio

Anat Goren was born on 1973 in Israel and lives in Tel Aviv. She is an anchorwoman, director and producer. Goren studied at "Koteret" School of Journalism.

Community Partners:

• Jewish Family Service of Seattle
• New Israel Fund